Service and Wealth

Ted E.
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Welcome to “Service and Wealth” with the Military Wealth Coach! Dive into military budgeting tips, investing for military personnel, and financial planning for military families. Unlock strategies for military savings, debt management, and retirement planning. Take back control over your money, and Master Military Finance with us today!

  1. 11/22/2025

    From Dropout to Millionaire Marine: Gunny Esparza on Money, Mistakes, and Retirement

    In this episode of the Service and Wealth podcast, Ted sits down with Marine Gunnery Sergeant Christian Esparza on the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps to talk about money, mistakes, and building a life after the uniform. Gunny shares his story of dropping out of high school, getting in trouble with the law, and still finding his way into the Corps, Iraq, Afghanistan, drill field duty, and eventually the Naval Academy. He talks about why he decided to fully separate instead of going the safer JROTC route, and how he and his wife are planning his upcoming retirement with confidence instead of panic. Christian explains why he calls his spouse his biggest investment and how their teamwork has turned one paycheck into multiple income streams. They bought their first home near Camp Pendleton at age 22 using a VA loan and later turned it into a rental that now brings in strong monthly cash flow. A second VA-backed rental in Nampa, Idaho has also appreciated sharply, giving them equity and steady rent through property managers. He is honest about missed opportunities too, like walking away from a house near the Naval Academy that later jumped hundreds of thousands in value, and blowing deployment money on a lifted truck instead of stocks or Bitcoin. The conversation dives into his investing journey: going heavy into Disney, Ford, and Alibaba, then rolling those gains into Bitcoin and holding through brutal drawdowns until it exploded in value. Christian explains why he treats crypto as “money he does not need” and why a real emergency fund is non-negotiable before anyone starts chasing returns. Ted and Gunny walk through concrete numbers on his rentals, how much he bought them for, what the mortgages are, and what they rent for, to show Marines what long-term ownership can actually look like. They also break down the Thrift Savings Plan, how a captain forced Christian to move from 1 percent in the G Fund to 10 percent in the S Fund, and why too many staff NCOs are still contributing zero. The episode closes with practical guidance on using VA loans, thinking long term about TSP vs IRA vs solo 401(k), and how senior leaders can model financial readiness instead of just lecturing young Marines about “not buying dumb cars.”  Buy Service and Wealth on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/3x2NmAl Quick takeaways • Your spouse and your team are your first “investment.” • VA loans plus older, well-chosen homes can create real rental cash flow over time. • Don’t invest money you might need next year; build a security cushion first. • Long-term holds in stocks, real estate, and even crypto beat short-term trading. • TSP only works if you actually contribute and pick growth funds, not default G or L funds. • Senior leaders need to show real numbers and examples, not just give generic “save your money” briefs.

    1h 31m

  2. 11/22/2025

    The Numbers Don't Lie: A Military Wealth Blueprint with ENS Max Thibault

    Keywords military, real estate, financial education, VA loans, home buying, teamwork, investment strategy, family goals, service members, wealth building, investing, real estate, stocks, budgeting, military finance, retirement planning, financial independence, Thrift Savings Plan, expense tracking, financial education Summary In this episode of the Service and Wealth podcast, Ted talks with Max, a young nuclear surface warfare officer who turned a pivoted career plan into a focused wealth plan. Max shares how he went from wanting to fly to serving at sea, and how that change pushed him to be intentional with his military career, his marriage, and his money. He explains how his financial education started at the Naval Academy, where he first learned about investing, compound interest, and the idea of financial independence. From there he built a system that combines real estate investing, stock market investing, and disciplined budgeting. Ted and Max walk through how he and his wife use teamwork to run their finances. They track expenses, set shared goals, and use a written budget so every paycheck has a job. Max explains why he treats real estate as a real business, not a casual side hustle, and how he uses research, education, and a good agent and contractor to make smarter decisions. He breaks down how VA loans give service members a powerful way to get into their first property with 0% down, why “any money you make from there is basically free money,” and how a diversified asset base in both real estate and stocks looks stronger to lenders. The conversation also covers the Thrift Savings Plan and its limits, why Max still invests heavily in stocks outside the TSP, and how an emergency fund and savings cushion protect military families from surprise expenses and career shifts. Ted and Max talk through using bonuses wisely instead of burning them, building a financial security blanket, and using simple tools to start investing even small amounts. The episode ends with practical steps for service members who want financial independence: track your spending, build an emergency fund, learn the basics of military finance, and use VA loans, real estate, and investing in a way that supports both your family life and your long-term freedom. Buy Service and Wealth on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/3x2NmAl Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest04:51 Max’s Military Journey and Career Aspirations09:41 Transitioning from Military to Real Estate Investing14:36 Financial Education and Planning for the Future19:36 Finding the Right Real Estate Agent24:30 Navigating the Home Buying Process29:41 Building a Supportive Network in Real Estate34:20 Max’s Approach to Budgeting and Spending35:52 Building Trust and Complementary Strengths39:07 The Power of Teamwork in Relationships41:00 Finding the Right Agent and Contractor43:55 Understanding VA Loans and Their Benefits48:32 The Value of Real Estate for Military Personnel52:18 Balancing Stocks and Real Estate Investments56:21 Integrating Financial Strategies for Long-Term Success01:00:35 Budgeting Techniques and Tools for Financial Health01:14:14 Understanding Personal Finance Awareness01:16:55 Budgeting Basics for Beginners01:20:03 Identifying and Prioritizing Expenses01:22:38 The Importance of Accountability in Budgeting01:26:15 Investing Bonuses Wisely01:29:24 Building an Emergency Fund01:31:46 Planning for Future Investments01:34:45 Balancing Financial Goals and Life Changes01:37:19 The Role of Financial Independence in Military Life01:39:30 Final Reflections on Financial Education

    1h 43m

  3. 11/22/2025

    Money, Motorcycles, and the Marine Corps: 1stLt Anna Saucedo’s First Tour With Finance

    In this episode of the Service and Wealth Podcast, Ted talks with First Lieutenant Anna Saucido, a young Marine combat engineer three years into her career, serving out of Okinawa and Camp Pendleton. Anna shares her journey from growing up in Temecula with divorced parents and money stress, to earning her commission at the Naval Academy, and then stepping into real pay, BAH, and the full range of military benefits. She explains how early lessons about frugality, coupons, and going without a car in high school shaped her approach to money, debt, and lifestyle today. They dig into how she used her VA loan to buy a new-build townhome near Camp Pendleton, why she was willing to take on a $500,000 mortgage in Southern California, and how she uses BAH plus rent from a tenant (with property management) to cover most of the costs while deployed. Anna breaks down how she thinks about “affording” big purchases like a motorcycle and a car she paid cash for, why she avoids high-interest car loans, and how she negotiated a used bike that actually saves her money on fuel and commuting. She also walks through her investing setup: 5% into the TSP for the full match, automatic Roth IRA contributions, and plans to move more of her cash into a high-yield savings “war chest” instead of leaving it in low-interest checking. Throughout the conversation, Ted and Anna connect money decisions to leadership, readiness, and mental bandwidth. They talk about Marines buried in debt, how that wrecks performance, and why financial stability is part of combat readiness. Anna also shares how she leads by example outside of work by getting Marines out of the barracks and into healthy hobbies like rock climbing, cycling, and snorkeling in Okinawa, instead of just drinking and wasting paychecks. The episode gives a real, practical look at early-career military money: VA loans, BAH, TSP, Roth IRAs, the career starter loan, buying real estate in an expensive market, and building a financial system that lets you have fun now and still build long-term wealth.  Key topics / search terms young Marine officer finances VA loan first home BAH and mortgage in Southern California TSP vs Roth IRA for military career starter loan strategy high-yield savings and emergency fund house hacking while deployed military money mindset and leadership avoiding lifestyle creep on active duty Buy my book Service and Wealth on Amazon: CLICK HERE

    1h 39m

  4. 11/22/2025

    Safe Havens, Crashes, and Cash: How to Protect Your Money in Uncertain Markets

    Keywords finance, investing, stock market, economic trends, market crash, investment strategy, financial health, safe haven assets, market cycles, economic indicators Summary In this episode, Ted discusses the significance of October 24th in financial history, reflecting on past market crashes and their implications for current investment strategies. He emphasizes the importance of staying invested, understanding market cycles, and adopting defensive financial strategies in uncertain times. Ted also evaluates various safe haven assets and provides actionable steps for financial preparedness, encouraging listeners to focus on their overall financial health and to take proactive measures as they approach the end of the year. This episode walks through why October 24th matters in market history and what it means for you now. Ted explains that while economic indicators are mixed, the overall picture is still cautiously optimistic, which is why staying consistent with your investment strategy is so important. Trying to time the market is unpredictable and usually backfires, so the focus shifts to things you can control: paying off debt, managing expenses, and strengthening your overall financial position. He covers how high yield savings accounts can act as a safer alternative to bonds in some situations, why real estate often moves differently than stocks, and how gold can help protect value but is far from perfect. Throughout, he stresses the importance of holding adequate cash reserves so you are protected in a downturn and ready to act when opportunities appear. The core message is simple: proactive financial planning and steady execution can lower your risk and create more stability, even when markets feel uncertain. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Market History and Black Monday04:45 Current Economic Indicators and Market Sentiment08:52 Investment Strategies: Staying the Course13:47 The Importance of Time in the Market17:04 Understanding Market Timing and Dollar Cost Averaging21:03 The Risks of Safe Haven Assets and Bonds29:11 Strategies for Financial Resilience37:24 Preparing for Economic Uncertainty45:24 Actionable Steps for Financial Health

    51 min
  5. 037 Building Wealth in the Military: Insights from Marine Major Zach "Whistle" Jones

    10/17/2025

    037 Building Wealth in the Military: Insights from Marine Major Zach "Whistle" Jones

    In this episode of the Service and Wealth podcast, host Ted Ailert interviews Zach, an active duty Marine officer, about his journey in military service and financial planning. They discuss the importance of financial education, the evolving nature of financial goals, and the impact of family on financial decisions. Zach shares insights on investing in real estate, planning for children’s education, and the significance of mentorship in achieving financial freedom. The conversation emphasizes the need for early financial planning and the value of leveraging real estate for wealth building. In this conversation, Whistle and Ted explore the intersection of military experience and personal finance, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment, financial literacy, and strategic planning in both aviation and personal investments. They discuss the advantages of self-managing real estate, leveraging home equity, and the critical role of networking in real estate investing. The conversation also touches on debt management, tax planning, and retirement strategies, particularly focusing on the TSP and the importance of having a diversified financial portfolio. Ultimately, they highlight the need for budgeting and proactive financial management to achieve long-term financial freedom. What you’ll learn • Financial freedom (“F-U money”): why having enough to say “no” changes everything. • Bridge the 50–60 gap: use taxable accounts + rentals to cover living costs before penalty-free access to retirement funds. • TSP done right: contribute Roth on your pay, capture the traditional match, pair with a Roth IRA for flexibility (and access to Roth basis later). • Start early or pay more later: save $800–$900/mo at 22 vs. **$4,000/mo** if you delay to mid-career. • Family finance & mentorship: setting goals for kids’ education, balancing now vs. later, and learning faster with a guide. • Real estate as a wealth tool: self-management, networking, and risk assessment to improve cash flow. Chapters • Opening & guest intro • Defining financial freedom in the military • TSP, Roth IRA, and the “bridge” strategy • Early-savings math (why waiting costs more) • Real estate: cash flow, management, networking • Family priorities, mentorship, next steps Resources • Website & free money consults: https://www.militarywealthcoach.com • Book: Service and Wealth: https://a.co/d/8aFrKfZ • Socials: LinkedIn/Facebook — Military Wealth Coach | IG/X — @mwc112358 Keywords/Tags military finance, military wealth, TSP, Roth IRA, taxable brokerage, real estate investing, financial freedom, early retirement, military budgeting, mentorship, family finance, wealth building

    1h 45m
  6. 036 Can You Afford a Home in 2025 on a Military Paycheck?

    10/17/2025

    036 Can You Afford a Home in 2025 on a Military Paycheck?

    Season 2 is live—with video, cross-branch interviews, and a sharper focus on the money moves that matter for service members heading into 2026 PCS season. Ted explains why home prices are likely to stay firm—or rise—given chronic under-building and labor/material constraints, and why small year-to-year forecasts (+1% / −1%) don’t move your monthly payment much. The bigger levers? Supply/demand, your fixed mortgage, and your rising BAH.    You’ll also get a clear breakdown of mortgage rates: they track the 10-year Treasury, not the Fed’s overnight rate. So even if the Fed trims rates, don’t expect 30-year mortgages to drop point-for-point. Ted connects the dots from deficits and debt issuance to Treasury yields—and why that matters for your payment.  Financing tactics: VA vs. FHA vs. conventional are often within ~0.25% on rate; choose based on down payment, fees, and flexibility (VA is typically the most accessible for zero-down).  PCS game plan: Shop early (Feb–Mar) using PTAD/house-hunting leave to avoid the summer bidding crush. Use extended closes or a lease-back so sellers get cash now and you take possession on your schedule. Cap a monthly payment, not a “max price,” and avoid overbuying.    Plus a quick season update: why we added video (to show the numbers), and what Ted’s been building—flips, BRRRR projects, and a pending mobile-home park acquisition—alongside a full rewrite of the Service and Wealth book to make it simpler and more actionable.    Keywords: military finance, PCS, VA loan, FHA, TSP, BAH, mortgage rates, 10-year Treasury, housing supply, BRRRR, real estate, wealth building, Service and Wealth.

    1h 11m

  7. 03/02/2025

    035 Budget Problems Solved: Introducing The iCASH System™

    Trick question (or is it?): what’s the first step in budgeting? If you said “put down your income,” or “list my regular expenses from biggest to smallest,” you’re 100 percent WRONG. No effective Personal Financial Plan or budget can start this way, because it’s ignoring what’s important to you. There’s no goal or road map for it. You’re just writing down a bunch of numbers and tracking them each month. The only way you will ever be able to Take Control of Your Finances and accomplish your financial goals requires you start with your own personal Mission Statement. You know, just like a standard CONOP in the military! You’ve got to have a clear picture of your PURPOSE for doing this in the first place, and the only way to know that is through a goal-setting process. The Military Wealth Coach’s iCASH System solves this most common budget problem by starting with a goal-setting process: “Identify Dreams and Goals.” By starting here, you’ll see that the things you dream of, the things and experiences you really, really want to have someday, are going to cost money — and to have enough, you have to start saving now. iCASH transforms budgets from a system to cut back or deprive yourself of things you want now into a SMART savings plan that will help you afford all the major things you want in life! Tune in this week to learn how to get started with iCASH, then head over to our blog for more including downloadable worksheets that you can use to follow along. Better yet, set up a call with The Military Wealth Coach and we’ll help you get started today! Don’t miss an episode: subscribe today on Apple or Spotify today, and opt-in to our weekly newsletter by signing up HERE! Time is almost up to pre-order our mini-course, “Financial Freedom in the Military” and get FREE access to the course when it launches!!! Sign up here: https://www.militarywealthcoach.com/joinus For a complete library of our episodes, blog posts, and more, visit www.militarywealthcoach.com, and follow us on all the socials by searching for Military Wealth Coach or @mwc112358.

  8. 02/23/2025

    034 Why Budgeting Fails and Budgets Suck

    It’s a real shame: budgets and budgeting apps are designed to fail. They just tell you the fun and rewarding things that you’re not allowed to do! Life’s too short not to enjoy it. But since there’s a Future You that will want a new car, to buy your first house, to travel the world, go back to school — not to mention that you’ve got a 50-50 shot at living to be 100 and you don’t want to work for the next 75 years and actually want to retire — you need to save money. Lots of it. In this week’s episode we explain why the typical budget based on denial and cutting back is the exact opposite of what you need, and instead offer up our approach that starts by dreaming of the things that really make you happy, then “buying” them one month at a time. So you can’t actually buy a house $500 per month for three years — but you also can’t spontaneously save $20,000 three years from now when it’s finally time to buy a home for your new family. You’ll learn how managing your money has to be the same as how you improve your run time, pull-ups, push-ups, or sit-ups to achieve your goal for your next Fitness Test in the military. Set a goal months or years in the future, then work every day towards it, celebrating small successes along the way, while still enjoying a couple beers or pizza along the way. Don’t miss an episode: subscribe today on Apple or Spotify today, and opt-in to our weekly newsletter by signing up HERE! Time is almost up to pre-order our mini-course, “Financial Freedom in the Military” and get FREE access to the course when it launches!!! Sign up here: https://www.militarywealthcoach.com/joinus For a complete library of our episodes, blog posts, and more, visit www.militarywealthcoach.com, and follow us on all the socials by searching for Military Wealth Coach or @mwc112358.

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About

Welcome to “Service and Wealth” with the Military Wealth Coach! Dive into military budgeting tips, investing for military personnel, and financial planning for military families. Unlock strategies for military savings, debt management, and retirement planning. Take back control over your money, and Master Military Finance with us today!

Information

  • Creator
    Ted E.
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Military Wealth Coach, LLC
  • Show Website
    Service and Wealth